Where Should Our Eyes Look When We Practice Tai Chi?

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According to the Essential Tai Chi Principles, the eyes help unite the mind and the body as we move. So, how do we use our eyes in our Tai Chi and/or Qigong practice?

As you would expect, just like there are many different forms, interpretations, variations, and ways of practicing, there are many different opinions!

When we are talking about our eyes in martial arts, we need to first discuss vision. Vision can be divided into “Hard” or “Soft”. In hard vision, your eyes are fixated on a particular object or small region. There is very little regard for the periphery. The head is stationary and the eyes are fairly immobile. It makes sense then that this usually produces great clarity. Interestingly, when we get anxious or excited, we, unfortunately, tend to use hard vision and fixate our eyes, which can result in eye strain.

Soft eyes are considered “yin eyes”. With soft vision, there is no fixation and all the data that enters the field of vision is processed. There is less clarity and detail. However, the eyes and neck are more relaxed. This is usually the preferred method and has often been referred to as “seeing without looking”. When you are using soft eyes, you can even allow your eyelids to close slightly (no more than 1/4 to 1/3 of the way) as you allow your peripheral vision to widen.

When your body is erect, keep your eyes soft and look forward on the horizon beyond the forward fingers. Remember that each hand should be seen (including peripherally) at all times. Allow your eyes to drop, rise, and sweep naturally during your movements. This will allow your eyes to release tension that can cause stress and strain.

Some styles such as Yang have very specific methods for using the eyes. According to Yang Chen Fu: “The eyes should look forward levelly” through the hand in front (not fixed). They follow the main hand movement. The body moves and the eyes follow. Whatever direction the body faces, the eyes look in that direction. The eyes are the mind’s “focal point” and the intent must be consistent with the gaze. According to Yang Chen Fu, when the eyes and the movements are not in accordance, the internal and external are not in agreement.

As you might expect, several Masters teach that the head, and body are usually turned in the same direction, although the head does not move on it’s own. Soft vision is directed straight ahead. They also state that the nose and navel (Dantian) point in the same direction. However, there are several postures where the nose points in the direction of the stance while the navel (Dantian) points at an angle. Trying to point them in the same direction can cause damage to the knee.

Another suggested method is where the eyes face the direction of the finished stance. Some consider this a method for stimulating Qi flow. Again, soft vision is used.

In Tai Chi, we are most often taught that the eyes follow the lead hand, but they do not focus on it. The area to focus softly on is just beyond the hand and a bit ahead of it, in the direction of where the hand is going. Always remember to keep your other hand in your peripheral vision. Eventually, with consistent practice, this becomes more of a mental, not visual, focus. This method is frequently taught and used in the martial and health practices.

Just like in health, in martial practice, the eyes should either be looking forward or be following the lead hand. This allows focus and control over each move. However, during actual combat or combat practice, the eyes need to be focused on the opponent at all times. Sounds like a no-brainer to me!

That leaves us with an unanswered question, which is the lead hand? Sometimes it’s obvious. Sometimes it’s not! Unfortunately, there is no one answer. It depends on the form, style, interpretation, and the particular posture!

No matter which method you are taught, the mind-intent concept is consistent: eyes connect with the mind, the movement, and the flow of Qi. This allows everything to move in a unified manner - What in Tai Chi is considered “whole body movement”.

The old saying “Don’t look back. You’re not going that way” is very applicable to Tai Chi practice!

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